U.S. patent application number 14/670787 was filed with the patent office on 2015-10-01 for printing apparatus, method for controlling printing apparatus, and storage medium.
The applicant listed for this patent is CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA. Invention is credited to Takuto Harada.
Application Number | 20150277325 14/670787 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54190175 |
Filed Date | 2015-10-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150277325 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Harada; Takuto |
October 1, 2015 |
PRINTING APPARATUS, METHOD FOR CONTROLLING PRINTING APPARATUS, AND
STORAGE MEDIUM
Abstract
A printing apparatus includes a determination unit configured to
determine, based on a print side designated for a transparent sheet
and a print side on which the printing apparatus is able to execute
printing, a print side of an image to be printed on the transparent
sheet and sheet feeding timing of the transparent sheet, and a
printing unit configured to print the image on the transparent
sheet based on a content determined by the determination unit.
Inventors: |
Harada; Takuto; (Yorktown,
VA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA |
Tokyo |
|
JP |
|
|
Family ID: |
54190175 |
Appl. No.: |
14/670787 |
Filed: |
March 27, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
399/82 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G03G 15/5062 20130101;
G03G 15/23 20130101; G03G 13/23 20130101; G03G 15/6538 20130101;
G03G 15/231 20130101; G03G 2215/00265 20130101; G03G 2215/00869
20130101; G03G 2215/00497 20130101; G03G 2215/00751 20130101; G03G
15/6591 20130101; G03G 2215/00502 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G03G 15/00 20060101
G03G015/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 28, 2014 |
JP |
2014-068258 |
Claims
1. A printing apparatus comprising: a determination unit configured
to determine, based on a print side designated for a transparent
sheet and a print side on which the printing apparatus is able to
execute printing, a print side of an image to be printed on the
transparent sheet and sheet feeding timing of the transparent
sheet; and a printing unit configured to print the image on the
transparent sheet based on a content determined by the
determination unit.
2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:
a decision unit configured to decide whether the printing apparatus
is able to print an image on the print side designated for the
transparent sheet, wherein in a case where the decision unit
decides that the printing apparatus is not able to print the image,
the determination unit determines, based on the print side
designated for the transparent sheet and the print side on which
the printing apparatus is able to execute printing, the print side
of the image to be printed on the transparent sheet and the sheet
feeding timing of the transparent sheet.
3. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein in a case
where a first side is designated as the print side and the printing
apparatus is able to execute printing on the first side of the
transparent sheet, the determination unit determines that the image
is to be printed on the first side of the transparent sheet, and
determines that the transparent sheet is to be fed in preference to
other sheets.
4. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein in a case
where a second side is designated as the print side and the
printing apparatus is not able to execute printing on a first side
of the transparent sheet, the determination unit determines that
the image is to be printed on a back side of the transparent sheet,
and determines that the transparent sheet is to be fed after other
sheets.
5. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
transparent sheet is used as a cover sheet, a chapter sheet, or an
insert sheet.
6. A method for controlling a printing apparatus, comprising:
determining, based on a print side designated for a transparent
sheet and a print side on which the printing apparatus is able to
execute printing, a print side of an image to be printed on the
transparent sheet and sheet feeding timing of the transparent
sheet; and printing the image on the transparent sheet based on a
content determined by the determining.
7. A computer readable non-transitory storage medium storing a
program for causing a computer to execute a method for controlling
a printing apparatus, the method comprising: determining, based on
a print side designated for a transparent sheet and a print side on
which the printing apparatus is able to execute printing, a print
side of an image to be printed on the transparent sheet and sheet
feeding timing of the transparent sheet; and printing the image on
the transparent sheet based on a content determined by the
determining.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a printing apparatus, a
method for controlling the printing apparatus, and a storage
medium.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Reverse or two-sided printing of a transparent film sheet,
such as an overhead projector (OHP) film, is difficult as it is
weak to heat and is high in hardness. The OHP film is assumed to be
used for projecting an image via a projector, and thus a desired
print seen from the front is acquired even in a case where the
image is printed on the back of the sheet. Therefore, according to
a technique discussed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.
2005-216032, in a case where printing is performed on the OHP film,
an image to be printed is printed in a normal image or a mirror
image according to a print side of a printing apparatus.
[0005] Specifically, in a case where printing is executed without
reversing a fed sheet, in a printing apparatus configured such that
the sheet is discharged to a sheet output port with its print side
facing down (hereinafter, referred to as longitudinal path engine),
an image to be printed is printed in a normal image on the print
side in printing on the OHP film. As a result, the sheet is
discharged with the print side, on which the normal image has been
printed, facing down. In a case where the printing is executed
without reversing a fed sheet, in a printing apparatus configured
such that the sheet is discharged to a sheet output port with its
print side facing up (hereinafter, referred to as straight path
engine), an image to be printed is converted into a mirror image
and printed on the print side in printing on the OHP film.
[0006] As a result, the sheet is discharged with the print side, on
which the mirror image has been printed, facing up. While the print
side of the longitudinal engine and the print side of the straight
path engine are different from each other, a print product of which
print result is a normal image when the discharged sheet is seen
from below can be obtained by both the longitudinal and straight
path engines.
[0007] Since the aforementioned print processing is performed on
the OHP film, processing of similar restrictions is performed in a
case where the OHP film is used as a cover sheet, a chapter sheet,
or an insert sheet.
[0008] There is a print product using a transparent sheet for a
cover sheet, a chapter sheet, or an insert sheet. However, because
of the aforementioned print processing, the image can only be
printed on the front side. This causes problems where an image
cannot be printed on a back side within a single job. Further, even
in a case where an image is designated to be printed on a front
side, a print product in which an image is printed not in a mirror
image but in a normal image on the front side is not always
obtained. In order to obtain a desired print product in such a
case, a user must understand with which of the longitudinal path
engine and the straight path engine a printing apparatus used for
printing is provided. Then, when the user understands that he/she
cannot obtain a desired result from a currently executing printing
job, the user is required to divide the printing job and combine
two print products, as illustrated in FIG. 16.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] According to an aspect of the present invention, a printing
apparatus includes a determination unit configured to determine,
based on a print side designated for a transparent sheet and a
print side on which the printing apparatus is able to execute
printing, a print side of an image to be printed on the transparent
sheet and sheet feeding timing of the transparent sheet, and a
printing unit configured to print the image on the transparent
sheet based on a content determined by the determination unit.
[0010] Further features of the present invention will become
apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments
(with reference to the attached drawings).
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a sectional view illustrating a configuration of a
printing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a sectional view illustrating a configuration of a
printing apparatus according to the present exemplary
embodiment.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a
printing system to which the printing apparatus is applied.
[0014] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a
software module of the printing apparatus.
[0015] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling
the printing apparatus.
[0016] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling
the printing apparatus.
[0017] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling
the printing apparatus.
[0018] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a print processing state in
the printing apparatus.
[0019] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a print processing state in
the printing apparatus.
[0020] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a
software module of a printing apparatus.
[0021] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling
the printing apparatus.
[0022] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling
the printing apparatus.
[0023] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a print result on a
transparent sheet.
[0024] FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling
a printing apparatus.
[0025] FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling
the printing apparatus.
[0026] FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a print side on which the
printing apparatus executes printing and a print status
thereof.
DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0027] The exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be
described with reference to the drawings.
<System Configuration>
[0028] FIG. 1 is a sectional view illustrating a configuration of a
printing apparatus according to a first exemplary embodiment. This
is an example of the printing apparatus including a path
(conveyance path) horizontally extending straight from a manual
feed tray to a discharge tray in printing of an image on a
transparent sheet. According to the present exemplary embodiment, a
multifunction peripheral that includes a scanner unit 2139 and a
printer unit 2149 is described as an example of a printing
apparatus.
[0029] In the example illustrated in FIG. 1, the scanner unit 2139
feeds a document set on a document feeding device 2250, and reads
an image via an optical system. The document feeding device 2250 is
configured to be open/closable and able to read a sheet document or
a book document mounted on a platen glass 2211. A manual feed tray
2151 is used for introducing, to a straight path 2331, a sheet on
which an image is to be formed. An image developed on a
photosensitive body 2323 by using a developing unit is transferred
onto the sheet by a transfer unit. The image is formed by applying
a laser beam emitted from a laser scanner unit 2322 to the surface
of the photosensitive body 2323. A fixing unit 2327 fixes a
developer transferred to the sheet by heat pressure. A conveyance
path 2335 is used for conveying, to a post-processing unit, the
sheet on which the image has been formed. Sheets on which images
have been formed are stacked on a discharge tray 2507. The sheets
are housed in feed trays 2311 to 2314. The sheets fed from the
manual feed tray 2151 include plain paper, a transparent sheet (PHP
film sheet) and the like.
[0030] According to the present exemplary embodiment, since the
transparent sheet cannot be passed through a curved reversing path,
a mirror image is printed from above on the back side of the
transparent sheet fed from the manual feed tray 2151.
[0031] FIG. 2 is a sectional view illustrating a configuration of a
printing apparatus of another type according to the present
exemplary embodiment. In printing an image on a transparent sheet,
an image formed by each color is transferred to an intermediate
transfer body, and the transferred image (normal image) is printed
from the left side of the drawing on the front side of the
transparent sheet fed along a longitudinal path.
[0032] A feed tray 2517 houses sheets P as illustrate in FIG. 2. A
manual feed tray 2520 is configured to feed a transparent sheet not
illustrated. In the printing apparatus illustrated in FIG. 2,
conveyance paths 2518 and 2543 constitute a longitudinal path.
[0033] A transfer roller 2521 transfers the image of each color
transferred to an intermediate transfer belt 2508 in a normal image
to the front side of a fed sheet, and a fixing unit 2516 fixes the
image by heat pressure. A discharge roller 2512 discharges the
printed sheet to a discharge tray 2522 provided outside the
machine.
[0034] An optical unit 2507 emits a laser beam modulated based on
print data corresponding to respective colors (yellow (Y), magenta
(M), cyan (C), and black (BK)).
[0035] As described above, the printing apparatus including the
straight path can print an image only on the back side of the
transparent sheet, while the printing apparatus including the
longitudinal path can print an image only on the front side of the
sheet. Thus, a user must perform layout or print setting of image
data, while being aware which of the straight path and the
longitudinal path a printing apparatus to which a job is
transmitted is provided with, so that the image can be printed on a
correct side of the transparent sheet. Consequently, when erroneous
setting is performed, incorrect printing may occur. Hereinafter,
printing control performed on the transparent sheet in the printing
apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment will be
described in detail. In the printing apparatus adopting an engine
configuration illustrated in FIG. 1, an engine transfers the image
to an image transfer side of a sheet fed from a feed cassette
through a conveyance path, namely, a back side, and an upper side
of the fed sheet is a front side. This conveyance path is referred
to as the straight path. In the printing apparatus adopting an
engine configuration illustrated in FIG. 2, an engine transfers the
image to an image transfer side of a sheet fed from a feed cassette
through a conveyance path, namely, a front side, and an upper side
of the fed sheet is the front side. In other words, a print side of
the fed sheet to which the engine transfers the image and a print
side of the sheet are identical to each other. This conveyance path
is referred to as a longitudinal path. A specific side of the sheet
to which the engine transfers the image is referred to as a second
print side, while a side (including front and back sides) of the
transparent sheet designated by a job using the transparent sheet
described below is referred to as a first print side.
[0036] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of
the printing system according to the present exemplary
embodiment.
[0037] The printing apparatus 201 illustrated in FIG. 3 includes a
user interface (UI) 202, a scanner 203, feed cassettes 204 and 205,
a discharge tray 206, an interface (I/F) 207, and a central
processing unit (CPU) 208. The user interface (UI) 202 includes a
touch panel or the like not illustrated, and is configured to
display a setting screen necessary in the printing apparatus 201
and receive an instruction from the user. The scanner 203 is
configured to read a set document by scanning the set document with
an optical unit not illustrated. The feed cassettes 204 and 205 are
configured to feed sheets. The I/F 207 is configured to communicate
with an information processing apparatus or other printing
apparatuses connected to a network 213. The CPU 208 is configured
to control, by using a random access memory (RAM) 209 as a work
memory, each unit by executing a control program.
[0038] A hard disk (HDD) 210 is used as an area for storing a
control program necessary for controlling the printing apparatus
201, a data file, or a user's job. A printer engine 211 executes
printing on the sheets fed from the feed cassettes 204 and 205, and
discharges the printed sheets to the discharge tray 206.
[0039] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a
software module of the printing apparatus illustrated in FIG. 3.
The module is operated under control of the CPU 108 in the printing
apparatus 201, and the RAM 209 or the HDD 210 are used as a storage
device.
[0040] A scanner control unit 301 illustrate in FIG. 4 controls
reading of a document set on the scanner 203. A data analysis unit
302 stores (spools), in the RAM 209 or the HDD 210, print data 303
generated by analyzing a print job received via the I/F 207. A
print control unit 304 executes processing for feeding sheet from
the feed cassettes 204 and 205, outputting of the print data to the
printer engine 211, and receiving an instruction from the UI
202.
[0041] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling
the printing apparatus according to the present exemplary
embodiment. Processing in a copy processing job executed by the
scanner control unit 301 up to the point where the print data 303
is obtained from the scanner 203 will be described. Each procedure
is achieved through execution of the control program stored in the
HDD 210 by the CPU 208. Hereinafter, processing will be
appropriately described mainly on the module illustrated in FIG.
3.
[0042] In step S401, the processing is started, and the user
presses a job start button on the UI 202. In step S402, the scanner
control unit 301 analyzes print setting information set by the user
using a copy setting screen displayed on the UI 202, and determines
whether there is any setting for using the transparent sheet for a
cover sheet, a chapter sheet, or an insert sheet.
[0043] In a case where the scanner control unit 301 determines that
there is no setting for using the transparent sheet for a cover
sheet, a chapter sheet, or an insert sheet (NO in step S402), the
processing is similar to that of a general case, and thus proceeds
to step S403. In step S403, the scanner control unit 301 determines
whether there is any unachievable setting in the print setting
information set by the user according to a conventional criterion.
In a case where the scanner control unit 301 determines that the
print setting information set by the user is achievable (NO in step
S403), in step S404, the scanner control unit 301 causes the
scanner 203 to scan the set document, and stores the print data 303
in the HDD 210.
[0044] On the other hand, in a case where the scanner control unit
301 determines that there is unachievable setting in the print
setting information set by the user (YES in step S403), the
processing proceeds to step S406. In step S406, a message
indicating accordingly is displayed on the UI 202. Then, in step
S407, the job processing is interrupted.
[0045] On the other hand, in a case where the scanner control unit
301 determines that there is setting for using a transparent sheet
for a cover sheet, a chapter sheet, or an insert sheet (YES in step
S402), in step S408, the print control unit 304 determines whether
a print side of the transparent sheet is identical to a print side
set in the printer engine 211. In other words, in the case of the
printer engine 211 including the longitudinal path illustrated in
FIG. 2, the print control unit 304 determines whether printing is
executed on the print side, of the transparent sheet, which is a
side to be discharged to the sheet output port facing down (Face
Down). In the case of the printer engine 211 including the straight
path illustrated in FIG. 1, the print control unit 304 determines
whether printing is executed on the print side, of the transparent
sheet, which is the side to be discharged to the sheet output port
facing up (Face Up).
[0046] In a case where the scanner control unit 301 determines that
the print side (front side) of the transparent sheet is identical
to the print side of the printer engine 211 (YES in step S408),
printing can be normally executed on the transparent sheet, and
general print processing can be performed without performing any
special processing according to the present invention. Thus, the
processing from step S403 is executed.
[0047] On the other hand, in a case where the scanner control unit
301 determines that the print side of the transparent sheet is not
identical to the print side of the printer engine 211 (NO in step
S408), reversing the transparent sheet is difficult. Therefore, the
scanner control unit 301 determines whether a print product can be
obtained by reversing sheets other than the transparent sheet.
[0048] Thus, the scanner control unit 301 determines whether the
user has designated Face Up/Down for sheet discharging via the UI
202. In a case where the scanner control unit 301 determines that
the user has designated Face Up/Down for sheet discharging via the
UI 202, in step S409, the scanner control unit 301 further
determines whether a discharge sheet side of the transparent sheet
satisfies the Face Up/Down designation.
[0049] In a case where the scanner control unit 301 determines that
the discharge sheet side of the transparent sheet does not satisfy
the Face Up/Down designation (NO in step S409), in step S406, a
message indicating accordingly is displayed on the UI 202. Then, in
step S407, the job is interrupted.
[0050] As a specific example, a case of the printer engine 211
including the straight path illustrated in FIG. 1 will be
described. In a case where printing on the front side of the
transparent sheet is designated, and if "Face Up"/"Either is OK" is
designated, the user can obtain a desired result. On the other
hand, in a case where "Face Down" is designated, the user cannot
obtain a desired result. Therefore, the message is output and the
job is interrupted.
[0051] On the other hand, in a case where the scanner control unit
301 determines that the discharge sheet side of the transparent
sheet satisfies the Face Up/Down designation (YES in step S409), in
step S410, the scanner control unit 301 performs an inquiry to the
printer engine 211 to determine whether sheets other than the
transparent sheet can be reversible.
[0052] In a case where the scanner control unit 301 determines that
there is a sheet not reversible (NO in step S410), in step S406,
the message indicating accordingly is displayed on the UI 202.
Then, in step S407, the job is interrupted.
[0053] On the other hand, in a case where the scanner control unit
301 determines that the sheets other than the transparent sheet are
reversible (YES in step S410), in step S411, the scanner control
unit 301 further determines whether finishing processing set via
the UI 202 by the user can be performed even in a case where the
sheet are reversed.
[0054] As a specific example, in a case where stapling on a right
deep side is designated, stapling is required on a left front side
if the sheets are reversed.
[0055] Determination of whether this can be executed is performed.
In a case where the scanner control unit 301 determines that the
finishing processing cannot be performed (NO in step S411), in step
S406, a message indicating accordingly is displayed on the UI 202.
Then, in step S407, the job is interrupted.
[0056] In a case where the scanner control unit 301 determines that
the finishing processing can be performed (YES in step S411), in
step S404, the scanner control unit 301 scans the document set on
the scanner 203, and the print data 303 is stored in the HDD
210.
[0057] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling
the printing apparatus according to the present exemplary
embodiment. This is a processing example up to the point where the
print data 303 is obtained from the network 213. Each step is
achieved through execution of the control program stored in the HDD
210 by the CPU 208. Hereinafter, processing will be appropriately
described mainly on the module illustrated in FIG. 3.
[0058] In step S501, the processing is started, and printer
description language (PDL) data is received via the I/F 207. In
step S502, the data analysis unit 302 executes drawing processing
to store the print data 303 in the HDD 210. Then, in step S503, the
processing is ended.
[0059] In the case of the PDL data, a printer driver may impose an
input limit on a personal computer (PC). However, data can be
generated without using any printer driver. Accordingly, since no
prior inhibition processing for obtaining data from the scanner 203
as described with reference to FIG. 6 can be expected, obtaining
data is once executed, and setting items are checked in
printing.
[0060] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling
the printing apparatus according to the present exemplary
embodiment. This is a processing example executed by the print
control unit 304 to print the print data 303.
[0061] In step S602, the print control unit 304 analyzes print
setting information set in the print data 303, and determines
whether there is any setting using the transparent sheet for a
cover sheet, a chapter sheet, or an insert sheet. In a case where
the print control unit 304 determines that there is no setting
using the transparent sheet for a cover sheet, a chapter sheet, or
an insert sheet (NO in step S602), the processing proceeds to step
S603. In this case, the processing is similar to that of a general
case. In step S603, the print control unit 304 determines whether
there is any unachievable setting in the print setting information
set by the user according to a conventional criterion.
[0062] In a case where the print control unit 304 determines that
there is no unachievable setting in the print setting information
set by the user according to the conventional criterion (NO in step
S603), in other words, the setting is achievable, in step S604, the
print control unit 304 controls the printer engine 211 to print the
print data 303 as instructed.
[0063] On the other hand, in a case where the print control unit
304 determines that there is an unachievable setting (YES in step
S603), in step S606, the print control unit 304 further determines
whether printing can be executed if the sheet is changed. In a case
where the print control unit 304 determines that printing can be
executed if the sheet is changed (YES in step S606), in step S607,
a message indicating absence of an appropriate sheet is displayed
on the UI 202.
[0064] In a case where the user operates the UI 202 and changes the
sheet to a printable sheet (YES in step S608), in step S604, the
print control unit 304 executes printing by using the changed
sheet.
[0065] On the other hand, in a case where the print control unit
304 determines that sheet changing is not permitted (NO in step
S608), and in a case where the print control unit 304 determines
that the printing cannot be completed only by changing the sheet
(NO in step S606), in step S609, the print job is canceled.
[0066] On the other hand, in a case where the print control unit
304 determines that there is setting using the transparent sheet
for a cover sheet, a chapter sheet, or an insert sheet (YES in step
S602), in step S610, the print control unit 304 determines whether
a print side of the transparent sheet is identical to a print side
set in the printer engine 211.
[0067] In other words, in the case of the longitudinal path engine,
the print control unit 304 determines whether printing is executed
on the print side, of the transparent sheet, which is the side
discharged to the sheet output port facing down. In the case of the
straight path engine, the print control unit 304 determines whether
printing is executed on the print side, of the transparent sheet,
which is the side discharged to the sheet output port facing
up.
[0068] In a case where the print control unit 304 determines that
the print side of the transparent sheet is identical to the print
side of the engine (YES in step S610), printing can be normally
executed on the transparent sheet, and general print processing can
be performed without performing any special processing according to
the present invention. Thus, the processing from step S603 is
executed.
[0069] On the other hand, in a case where the print control unit
304 determines that the print side of the transparent sheet is not
identical to the print side of the engine (NO in step S610),
reversing the transparent sheet is difficult. Thus, the print
control unit 304 determines whether a print product can be obtained
by reversing sheets other than the transparent sheet.
[0070] Specifically, the print control unit 304 checks whether the
user has designated Face Up/Down of the discharge sheet in the
print data 303. In a case where the print control unit 304
determines that the user has designated Face Up/Down, in step S611,
the print control unit 304 determines whether the discharge sheet
side of the transparent sheet satisfies the Face Up/Down
designation.
[0071] In a case where the print control unit 304 determines that
the discharge sheet side of the transparent sheet does not satisfy
the Face Up/Down designation (NO in step S611), in step S609, the
job is canceled.
[0072] As a specific example, in the printer engine 211 including
the straight path illustrated in FIG. 1, in a case where printing
on the front side of the transparent sheet is designated, and if
"Face Up"/"Either is OK" is designated, the user can obtain a
desired result. On the other hand, if "Face Down" is designated,
the user cannot obtain a desired result. Therefore, the job is
canceled.
[0073] On the other hand, in a case where the print control unit
304 determines that the discharge sheet side of the transparent
sheet satisfies the Face Up/Down designation (YES in step S611), in
step S612, the print control unit 304 performs an inquiry to the
printer engine 211 to determine whether sheets other than the
transparent sheet are reversible.
[0074] In a case where the print control unit 304 determines that
there is a sheet not reversible (NO in step S612), in step S609,
the job is canceled. On the other hand, in a case where the print
control unit 304 determines that sheets other than the transparent
sheet are reversible (YES in step S612), in step S613, the print
control unit 304 determines whether finishing processing set in the
print data 303 can be performed even in a case where the sheets are
reversed.
[0075] As a specific example, in a case where stapling on a right
deep side is designated, stapling is required on a left front side
if the sheets are reversed. Determination of whether this can be
executed is performed.
[0076] In a case where the print control unit 304 determines that
the finishing processing cannot be performed (NO in step S613), in
step S609, the job is canceled.
[0077] Further, in a case where the print control unit 304
determines that the finishing processing can be performed (YES in
step S613), in step S614, the print control unit 304 adjusts a
printing order and a print side of the print data 303 to execute
printing.
[0078] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a print processing state in
the printing apparatus according to the present exemplary
embodiment. This is a printing result example obtained by the
longitudinal path engine.
[0079] In the example illustrated in FIG. 8, when data D1 of print
data 101 is designated to be "printed on front side" of a cover
sheet of the transparent sheet, and data D2 and D3 are designated
to be printed on one side of plain paper, a print result 701 is
obtained.
[0080] In the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 7, the processing is
performed in order of steps S602, S610, S603, and S604. First, the
transparent sheet is fed and the data D1 is printed on its front
side, and pieces of plain paper are fed to P2 and P3 and the data
D2 and D3 are printed on their front sides.
[0081] A stacking state 702 illustrates the state where sheets as a
print result are stacked on the discharge tray 206. In the example
illustrated in FIG. 8, since the printing apparatus illustrated in
FIG. 2 includes the longitudinal path engine, toner is placed on
the Face Down side of the transparent sheet with respect to the
discharge tray. A stacking state 703 of the print result and sheets
illustrates the print result seen from the discharge tray side.
[0082] On the other hand, the data D1 of the print data 101 is
designated to be "printed on back side" of the cover sheet of the
transparent sheet, and the data D2 and D3 are designated to be
printed on one side of plain paper, a print result 704 is obtained.
In the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 7, the processing is performed
in order of steps S602, S610, S611, S612, S613, and S614.
[0083] As a result of changing the feeding order and the feed side
with the transparent sheet set as a reference in step S614, a piece
of plain paper is fed to P1 and the data D3 is printed on its back
side, a piece of plain paper is fed to P2 and the data D2 is
printed on its back side, and a transparent sheet is fed to P3 that
is a final print page and the data D1 is printed on its front side.
A stacking state 705 illustrates the state of the print result of
sheets stacked on the discharge tray.
[0084] According to the present exemplary embodiment, since the
printer engine 211 of the printing apparatus illustrated in FIG. 2
includes the longitudinal path, the toner is placed on the Face
Down side of the transparent sheet with respect to the discharge
tray 206. A stacking state 706 illustrates the print result and
stacked sheets seen from the discharge tray side, and a print
result 707 is a print result obtained by reversing the print result
706. When seen from the rear side, it can be understood that
printing is performed on the print side desired by the user.
[0085] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a print processing state in
the printing apparatus according to the present exemplary
embodiment. This is a printing result example obtained by the
printer engine 211 of the printing apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1
including the straight path.
[0086] In the example illustrated in FIG. 9, when data D1 of print
data 101 is designated to be "printed on front side" of a cover
sheet of the transparent sheet, and data D2 and D3 are designated
to be printed on one side of plain paper, a print result 801 is
obtained. In the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 7, the processing is
performed in order of steps S602, S610, S611, S612, S613, and
S614.
[0087] As a result of changing the feeding order and the feed side
with the transparent sheet set as a reference in step S614, a piece
of plain paper is fed to P1 and the data D3 is printed on its back
side, a piece of plain paper is fed to P2 and the data D2 is
printed on its back side, and a transparent sheet is fed to P3 and
the data D1 is printed on its back side. A stacking state 802
illustrates the print result of sheets stacked on the discharge
tray 206. According to the present exemplary embodiment, since the
printer engine 211 including the straight path, toner is placed on
the Face Up side of the transparent sheet with respect to the
discharge tray 206. A stacking state 803 is the print result and
the sheets seen from the discharge tray side, and a print result
804 is obtained by reversing the print result 803. When seen from
the rear side, it can be understood that printing is carried out on
the print side desired by the user.
[0088] When the data D1 of the print data 101 is designated to be
"printed on back side" of the cover sheet of the transparent sheet,
and the data D2 and D3 are designated to be printed on one side of
plain paper, a print result 805 is obtained. In the flowchart
illustrated in FIG. 7, the processing is performed in order of
steps S602, S610, S603, and S604. First, the transparent sheet is
fed and the data D1 is printed on its back side, and pieces of
plain paper are fed to P2 and P3 and the data D2 and D3 are printed
on their front sides.
[0089] A stacking state 806 illustrates the print result of the
sheets stacked on the discharge tray. According to the example,
since the printer engine 211 including the straight path, toner is
placed on the Face UP side of the transparent sheet with respect to
the discharge tray 206. A stacking state 807 illustrates the print
result and sheets seen from the side of the discharge tray 206.
[0090] According to the present exemplary embodiment, whether the
first print side (designated print side (front side or back side)
of transparent sheet) and the second print side (specified by
configuration of conveyance path included in printer engine 211)
match each other is determined. In a case where the first print
side and the second print side do not match each other, control is
carried out as described below. With the first print side set as a
reference, the printer engine 211 is controlled so as to perform
switching a print side when image data of each page based on print
data is printed on the transparent sheet and switching between a
normal image and a mirror image of the image data printed on the
print side.
[0091] Thus, the printer engine can be controlled to obtain an
intended print result by adapting destination of the print side of
the transparent sheet designated by the user. Specifically, the
intended print result can be obtained by controlling the printer
engine to switch the transparent sheet, the printing order of the
pages of the sheets, and a normal image and a mirror image of the
image to be formed.
[0092] According to the first exemplary embodiment, printing on the
print side of the transparent sheet is executed as designated by
the user. However, since the sheet is a transparent sheet, even in
a case where the print side is not the side as desired, a print
result may be obtained if an image is printed in a mirror
image.
[0093] In the general case for a cover sheet, a chapter sheet, or
an insert sheet, "printing on front side" is only permitted. On the
other hand, a second exemplary embodiment provides a user advantage
in that "printing on back side" (in appearance of print result) can
be performed. Further, as there are more choices of print sides
than the first exemplary embodiment, the second exemplary
embodiment also provides a user advantage in that a probability of
obtaining a print product is higher. Hereinafter, the second
exemplary embodiment will be described in detail.
[0094] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a
software module of a printing apparatus according to the present
exemplary embodiment. Components similar to those illustrated in
FIG. 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals.
[0095] The printing apparatus 201 illustrated in FIG. 10 includes a
scanner control unit 901 and a print control unit 902.
[0096] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling
the printing apparatus according to the present exemplary
embodiment. This is a processing example executed by the scanner
control unit 901 up to the point where print data 303 based on a
document image read by a scanner 203 is obtained. Each step is
achieved through execution of a control program stored in a HDD 210
by a CPU 208. Hereinafter, processing will be appropriately
described mainly on the module illustrated in FIG. 10. Steps
different from those illustrated in FIG. 5 will be mainly
described.
[0097] In a case where the scanner control unit 901 determines that
the print side of the transparent sheet is not identical to the
discharge Face Up/Down designation (NO in step S409), in step
S1001, the scanner control unit 901 treats an image to be printed
on the transparent sheet as an image to be printed in a mirror
image. Then, in step S1002, the scanner control unit 901 determines
a print side of a sheet other than the transparent sheet and
whether finishing processing can be performed.
[0098] On the other hand, in a case where the scanner control unit
901 determines that the setting enables printing (YES in step
S1002), in step S404, the scanner control unit 901 causes a scanner
203 to start scanning of a set document, and stores the print data
303 in the HDD 210.
[0099] On the other hand, in a case where the scanner control unit
901 determines that the setting does not enable printing (NO in
step S1002), in step S406, a message indicating accordingly is
displayed on a UI 202. In step S407, a job is interrupted. Actual
mirror-image processing of the print data is executed by the print
control unit 902 during printing since the mirror-image processing
and printing of PDL data share common processing.
[0100] In a case where the print control unit 902 determines that
sheets other than the transparent sheet cannot be reversible (NO in
step S410), from step S1001, the print control unit 902 checks
whether printing can be completed if the image to be printed on the
transparent sheet is treated as the image to be printed in a mirror
image.
[0101] In a case where the print control unit 902 determines that
the finishing processing cannot be performed as set due to
reversing of the sheet (NO in step S411), from step S1001, the
print control unit 902 checks whether printing can be completed if
the image to be printed on the transparent sheet is treated as the
image to be printed in a mirror image.
[0102] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling
the printing apparatus according to the present exemplary
embodiment. This is a processing example executed by the print
control unit 902 for printing print data 303. Each step is achieved
through execution of a control program stored in the HDD 210 by the
CPU 208. Hereinafter, processing will be appropriately described
mainly on the module illustrated in FIG. 9. Steps different from
those illustrated in FIG. 7 will be mainly described.
[0103] In a case where the print control unit 902 determines that
the print side of the transparent sheet does not satisfy the Face
Up/Down designation (NO in step S611), in step S1101, the print
control unit 902 treats an image to be printed on the transparent
sheet as an image to be printed in a mirror image. Then, in step
S1102, the print control unit 902 determines a print side of a
sheet other than the transparent sheet and whether finishing
processing can be performed.
[0104] Here, in a case where the print control unit 902 determines
that the setting enables printing, in step S1103, a mirror image is
printed on the transparent sheet. In a case where the print control
unit 902 determines that the setting does not enable printing, in
step S609, the job is canceled.
[0105] Further, in a case where the print control unit 902
determines that sheets other than the transparent sheet cannot be
reversible (NO in step S612), from step S1101, the print control
unit 902 checks whether printing can be completed if an image to be
printed on the transparent sheet is treated as an image to be
printed in a mirror image.
[0106] In a case where the print control unit 902 determines that
the finishing processing cannot be performed as set (NO in step
S613), from step S1101, the print control unit 902 checks whether
printing can be completed if an image to be printed on the
transparent sheet is treated as an image to be printed in a mirror
image.
[0107] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a print result on the
transparent sheet in the printing apparatus according to the
present exemplary embodiment. A print result of mirror-image
processing executed in a case where a printable side of the
transparent sheet and a designated print side are different as
described above will be described.
[0108] In a case where data D1 of print data 101 is designated to
be "printed on back side" of a cover sheet of the transparent sheet
in the longitudinal path engine, data D2 and D3 are printed on one
side of plain paper, and the data D1 is determined to be printed in
a mirror image, a print result 1201 is obtained. A stacking state
1202 is the print result of sheets stacked on the discharge tray.
Since the printer engine 211 according to this example includes the
longitudinal path, toner is placed on the Face Down side of the
transparent sheet with respect to the discharge tray 206. A
stacking state 1203 illustrates the print result and sheets seen
from the discharge tray side.
[0109] On the other hand, in the printer engine 211 of the printing
apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1 including the straight path, the
data D1 of the print data 101 is designated to be "printed on front
side" of the cover sheet of the transparent sheet. In a case where
the data D2 and D3 are printed on one side of plain paper, and the
data D1 is determined to be printed in a mirror image, a print
result 1204 is obtained. A stacking state 1205 is the print result
of sheets stacked on the discharge tray. According to the present
exemplary embodiment, since the printer engine 211 includes the
straight path, toner is placed on the Face Up side of the
transparent sheet with respect to the discharge tray 206. A
stacking state 1206 illustrates the print result and sheets seen
from the discharge tray side.
[0110] According to the second exemplary embodiment, the mirror
image printing is automatically performed in a case where the
processing cannot be carried out as instructed by the user.
Alternatively, similar processing can be obtained even in a case
where the user selects permission/inhibition of the mirror image
printing.
[0111] FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling
a printing apparatus according to a third exemplary embodiment.
Each step is achieved through execution of a control program stored
in a HDD 210 by a CPU 208. Hereinafter, processing will be
appropriately described mainly on the module illustrated in FIG.
10. Steps different from those illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 7 will be
mainly described.
[0112] Before step S1001, in step S1301, a scanner control unit 901
determines whether mirror image printing is permitted. In a case
where the scanner control unit 901 determines that a user permits
mirror image printing (YES in step S1301), the processing from step
S1001 is executed. In a case where the scanner control unit 901
determines that the user does not permit mirror image printing (NO
in step S1301), the processing from step S406 is executed.
[0113] FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling
the printing apparatus according to the present exemplary
embodiment. This is a print processing example of print data 303
executed by a print control unit 902 in a case where the print
control unit 902 includes determination processing for
"permission/inhibition" of the mirror image printing. Each step is
achieved through execution of a control program stored in the HDD
210 by the CPU 208. Hereinafter, processing will be appropriately
described mainly on the module illustrated in FIG. 10. Steps
different from those illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 7 will be mainly
described.
[0114] Before step S1101, in step S1301, the print control unit 902
determines whether mirror image printing is permitted. In a case
where the print control unit 902 determines that the user permits
mirror image printing (YES in step S1301), the processing from step
S1101 is executed. In a case where the print control unit 902
determines that the user does not permit mirror image printing (NO
in step S1301), the processing from step S609 is executed.
[0115] According to the second exemplary embodiment, the mirror
image printing is automatically performed in a case where the
processing cannot be carried out as instructed by the user.
Alternatively, similar processing can be obtained even in a case
where a printing machine retains information, for example,
according to a market where a printing apparatus is provided for,
in other words, in a printing machine of a Point of Distribution
(POD) system where the user wishes to control all, mirror image
printing is not permitted, in other words, in a printing machine of
an office system where much time and labor are avoided, mirror
image printing is permitted.
[0116] According to each of the exemplary embodiments, in a case
where a sheet, such as a transparent sheet on which reverse or
two-sided printing is difficult is used for a cover sheet, a
chapter sheet, or an insert sheet, "printing on front side" and
"printing on back side" are enabled. Further, a desired print
result can be obtained by a single job while a demand that priority
be placed on a side to be printed or a print result be good enough
as long as it is correct in appearance is accommodated.
[0117] Each process of the present invention can also be achieved
through execution of software (program) acquired via a network or
various types of storage media by a processing apparatus (CPU or
processor) such as a PC (computer).
[0118] Embodiments of the present invention can also be realized by
a computer of a system or apparatus that reads out and executes
computer executable instructions recorded on a storage medium
(e.g., non-transitory computer-readable storage medium) to perform
the functions of one or more of the above-described embodiment(s)
of the present invention, and by a method performed by the computer
of the system or apparatus by, for example, reading out and
executing the computer executable instructions from the storage
medium to perform the functions of one or more of the
above-described embodiment(s). The computer may comprise one or
more of a central processing unit (CPU), micro processing unit
(MPU), or other circuitry, and may include a network of separate
computers or separate computer processors. The computer executable
instructions may be provided to the computer, for example, from a
network or the storage medium. The storage medium may include, for
example, one or more of a hard disk, a random-access memory (RAM),
a read only memory (ROM), a storage of distributed computing
systems, an optical disk (such as a compact disc (CD), digital
versatile disc (DVD), or Blu-ray Disc (BD).TM.), a flash memory
device, a memory card, and the like.
[0119] While the present invention has been described with
reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the
invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments.
The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest
interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and
equivalent structures and functions.
[0120] This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent
Application No. 2014-068258 filed Mar. 28, 2014, which is hereby
incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
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